Advocacy, education and outreach in support of Vancouver's public spaces

Our Work: 2025 By-Election Candidate Survey (Updated): Guy DUBÉ (100)

1. What is your favourite public space in the city – park, plaza, street, community centre, library, etc – and why?

I live in the West End I love walking the neighbourhood. Davie street is my village and I feel at home here. Being part of the 2+slgbtqi community nothing makes me happier than seeing people, young and old walking as their authentic selves.

2. In 2013, Vancouver declared itself a “City of Reconciliation”. More recently it approved its UNDRIP Strategy (2022). What role do you think public space should play regarding reconciliation?

We should always turn to our first nations people to get the proper ways of creating community. We can use the outdoor spaces to learn more about the land we are on and the customs of the people from it was stolen

3. If you could bring one new thing to the Council table on the topics of public safety and wellbeing in the Downtown Eastside, what would it be?

Get the VPD within it’s current budget to create a new department that is about social and health as opposed to enforcement. We need more social workers / officers that help and create a social network with the residents of the area. Housing / Rehabilitation and reconciliation.

4. How important is the democratic function of public space to you? How would you ensure public spaces like parks and plazas are accessible and inclusive?

Everyone deserves to be able to use our public spaces. Ensure staff are engaging the public and creating safe and accessible spaces.

5. What piece of public art do you like the most? How satisfied are you with the City’s approach to public art? Is there anything you would change?

I would love to see the city help our artist have more chances to showcase their work. I want to see the Mural festival continue, public art and colour is good for the soul. I do love the Rainbow Crosswalks and Jim Deva Plaza art work.

6. There are lots of ways that public space planning can support climate-related objectives, including: protecting and planting street trees; initiatives to support walking, rolling and biking; and the restoration and enhancement of local ecosystems. How do climate matters align with your public space priorities?

More walkable neighbourhoods, once people are at home they should have the chance to explore the area they live in without having to get in the car. I would love to see a Front Yard Farming Program. Let’s encourage everyone to plant gardens, from front yards to parks to boulevards.

7. The city’s shopping streets have been hard-hit in recent years – and face further threats under the current ‘tariff war’ with the US. What will you do to support our ‘main streets’ and shopping areas?

I will recommend that all city departments stop using Amazon and start buying local. Let’s get back into the habit of not only buying Canadian but also buying local.

8. In May 2020, City Council approved a goal of transforming 11% of road space into “people friendly public space.” What are your thoughts on the implementation of this ‘road reallocation’ direction? Would you change anything?

I am all for creating more public spaces but doings so must be done with the local neighbourhood associations and residents to truly create a balanced and correct environment for each neighbourhood.

9. The City is currently moving ahead with the dissolution of the elected Park Board. How do you think Vancouver’s parks should be governed and stewarded?

I disagree with this. I would rather keep our board as is to keep council accountable. We can’t let the whims of a mayor and council abolish the integrity and importance of our parks.

10. Creating, maintaining and programming public space takes resources. Does the City do enough to fund placemaking and public space initiatives? Is there anything you would do differently?

I would love to see more spaces available for all our weather, we need more covered outdoor spaces. I would love to see us create a program with the local first nations to take over some of our public spaces. More public plazas with small cafes and restaurants. It all comes back to having walkable and sustainable neighbourhoods.

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